Dynamic Analysis of a Suspension Bridge Using CFRP Composite Material

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is a class of advanced composite materials used in civil engineering because of their advantages when these materials are compared to traditional ones. These advantages are light weight, high stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios, damping capabilities, and high resistance to environmental degradation. This paper presents a numerical study on the dynamic analysis of a suspension bridge subjected to earthquake ground motion using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials. Bosporus Suspension Bridge is selected for application. The cross-sectional areas of CFRP elements are determined by the principle of either equivalent-stiffness or equivalent-strength methods. The YPT330 component of Yarımca station records of 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake is chosen as a ground motion. The calculated displacement and internal forces occurring in the towers and deck are examined. It is seen from the analyses results that, CFRP material are more effective than steel material for suspension bridges.